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Jason Schenker shares one in a series of articles designed to help authors write their book in under 30 days. This post offers key tips of overcoming the mindsets and misconceptions that stop writers finishing (or even starting) their book. 

You know what a good book is?

A done book.

That’s something all good books have in common. And unless you actually write and complete your book, you have nothing.

Zip. Zilch. Nada. Nothing.

So, your number one priority when writing a book is to finish the darn thing.

People in grad school say the same thing about Ph.D. dissertations and Master’s theses: A good one is a done one. The reason academics and students make this joke is the same reason it’s true when writing a book: These are all significant undertakings that many people start but not all complete. And at some point, you have to just push and get it done. It may not be perfect and you may no longer love your book, but you need it to be over.

Don’t get me wrong — every time I write a book, I am completely jazzed about the topic.

I am excited to share my analysis, the content, and my visions. But at some point, it’s a lot of work and you get tired.

This happens in grad school too.

One woman I went to grad school with took over a decade to complete her dissertation. The reason? She kept changing the subject when she got bored with it. And she was not alone. I’ve seen countless men and women cut their degrees short because they got sick and tired of a subject that was their heart and soul. It was their passion, and they loved it deeply. But then the details and the grueling research and editorial process just killed the fun.

So, here’s a critical rule to remember:

When the fun in writing your book dies, the book dies too.

This is a key reason why it’s important to try and push to get a book done as quickly as possible. You want to be fun and exciting. The first few chapters will be adrenaline filled, and if you keep focused on your goal — a done book rather than a perfect book — you will have a greater chance of success.

Key points include:

• The enemy of done
• Page count
• The formula of getting the book done

Read the full article, Write Your Book in Under 30 Days: Perspectives and Priorities, on LinkedIn.